PARENTS are being urged to return to school in an initiative that will see them learning under the same roof as their children.

Dodmire Junior School, in Darlington, is working with Darlington College of Technology to provide a range of adult courses in the classroom.

The project has already won the school an accolade - the Communigate Newsquest Adult Learners Group of the Year Award through The Northern Echo.

But the school is keen to involve more parents and members of the community.

Dodmire headteacher Bob Mellard said: "We decided we could address adult learning opportunities, contacted the College and have since been able to access a variety of courses."

Parents Pam Leonard and Dianne Carr started studying at the school and now work there as dinner nannies and classroom helpers.

"When you want to study, it can be difficult to find someone to look after the children," said Mrs Leonard.

"So the courses here are ideal as your kids are actually in the same building."

Mrs Carr said: "You get a great insight into what happens in the school and that continues when you are at home when both you and your children have homework to do."